Crystal Tenore lives in Ortley Beach, New Jersey, and since 2011 she has owned and operated Crystal’s Beach Salon. She married just two days before Hurricane Sandy, and many of her wedding photos were taken in notable locations in Seaside Heights. On returning from her honeymoon, she saw the tremendous devastation to her business caused by eight feet of flooding. In her narrative, Crystal talks about the challenges she has faced in rebuilding her business. Continue Reading
By Experience
The iconic photo from Sandy
Lou Cirigliano is the Director of Operations for Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. A popular tourist destination, Casino Pier was partially destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Its iconic Jet Star roller coaster – which fell into the Atlantic Ocean – became a symbol of the destruction the storm brought to the shore. In his narrative, Lou talks about the struggle of attracting customers to the pier following Hurricane Sandy, amidst claims that the boardwalk has not yet recovered from the storm. He hopes to restore people’s belief in the resiliency and strength of the shore. Continue Reading
We visited and couldn't look away
Chad Carson is the New Jersey director of St. Bernard Project. Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2006, the Project works to rebuild homes destroyed in natural disasters. Since 2013, it has been working in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. Born in Texas and living in New Orleans during Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey is not where Chad expected to end up. In this narrative, Chad discusses the work of the St. Bernard Project and its commitment to rebuilding homes destroyed in the storm. Continue Reading
There was nothing you could do, other than all you could
Harry “Chip” DiCorcia, has been a resident of Point Pleasant Beach for all his life. During Hurricane Sandy he worked with the first aid squad to help those in danger. In the aftermath he helped to transform the Durand Masonic Lodge into a support center for helping those affected by the storm. In his interview, Chip shines light on both positive and negative experiences post- Sandy. He gives his regards to everyone who volunteered their time and energy to help those in need. Continue Reading
It was a losing battle
Stephen Schneider has lived in Point Pleasant, New Jersey for nearly all of his life. He holds a degree in Electronic Engineering and currently works as an operations manager for a solar energy company. During Hurricane Sandy, he stayed in his home and watched as over a foot of ocean water inundated his living room. In this narrative, Steven recalls the devastation that afflicted his community and comments on the challenges of recovery. Continue Reading
We were those people on TV
Bob Peck was working at his local hospital when Superstorm Sandy hit Toms River. Since junior year of high school in 1968, Bob has lived and worked in Toms River, and is intimately familiar with his hometown. A year later, he reflects on the tremendous impact the storm had on his community of 44 years, and shares his views on the rebuilding process. Continue Reading
Rescuing people and pigs
Paul Daley has resided in Toms River, New Jersey since 1970. During Hurricane Sandy, he served as Acting Coordinator for the township’s Office of Emergency Management. A year after the storm, Daley reflects on his experiences with Emergency Services as they responded to those in need. His story shows the importance of being prepared for potential disasters, as well as the ways in which the storm brought out the best in his community. Continue Reading
Just picking up the pieces
John Barcus has been a police officer with the Mantoloking Police Department for twenty years. Before his career as a police officer, John served in the First Gulf War with the Marine Corps. During Superstorm Sandy, John played a vital role in keeping order and saving lives in Mantoloking. A year later, he reflects on the harrowing experiences he lived through during the storm, and the lasting effects that still hamper the Mantoloking Police Department’s ability to protect and serve. Continue Reading
Be prepared, be aware, it can happen anywhere
Nicki Ann Cordi is a resident of Toms River, New Jersey. She is the owner/director of The Ultimate Scholar II, a community daycare center in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. After Hurricane Sandy, it took Cordi eight months to reopen, which, as of this interview, she has owned for 11 years. Continue Reading
A little microcosm of damage anywhere
Ray Bukowski is Manager of Island Beach State Park. Having been new to the position at the time of Hurricane Sandy, Bukowski was responsible for the decisions made in regards to Hurricane Sandy preparation and recovery efforts. More than two years after Hurricane Sandy, Bukowski discloses things he may have done differently and also stresses the importance of sand dunes and dune maintenance. Continue Reading